Cancel House Purchase due to Neighbours

[Badger87]

So a few months ago we decided we wanted to move from our town centre terraced house out to a detached house in a countryside village.

Ours sold and we had an offer accepted on a house we were really like

However a couple weeks before exchange we have found out the neighbour house is owned and rented by a cult, Plymouth brethren.

The owner of the house we were buying was honest enough to tell us on a second viewing. He admitted it was a weird setup and they do not communicate with him whatsoever.

This has been a major red flag to us as we would now feel uncomfortable with such a situation.

We are now about to pull out the purchase however feel awful to do this just before exchange.

Are we overreacting? Anyone else have any experience of a similar situation?

Pull out.

Another house will come along.

What’s the problem? Presumably they are quiet? Would rather have Plymouth brethren next door than loud / fighting / drug dealing / gangsta rap playing chavs. Sadly I have experience of the latter - hell on earth.

Plymouth Brethren are a Christian church not a cult. Is the building next door used as a church or is it the home of a family who follow the Plymouth Brethren church?

Exactly this. And why are they a cult? As far as I can see they are just a Religious group.

Imagine if someone came on here and said they are pulling out of a house purchase because they have discovered their new neighbours are Muslims or Sikhs!

Get a grip @Badger87

You're over reacting. The Vendor has told you the Plymouth Brethren don't communicate with him at all, so where's the problem? They are quiet, they don't make trouble, they sound like perfect neighbours. Things could be a LOT worse.

I think you are overreacting.

Whats the 'weird set up', what does that mean?

Oh gosh - I haven't heard of the Plymouth Brethren for over 50 + years - my best friend at Primary school was a member of that Church.

sadly they moved away.

From what I have just Googled, I can't see that they will bother you / bother with you much.

and it's a detached house you are buying.

Exactly. I’d sooner have Plymouth Brethren than a lot of other people.

Is it a house used as a church or just a home? The former does happen but I’d find out first, and what that means for comings and goings on the street. Generally, anyone could buy the house next door. If the use of the building doesn’t cause you issues (I have no idea if a church from this group entails hundreds of people arriving en masse, for example) I’d ask around and see if it’s actually an issue.

As ppl said the Plymouth brethren are religious. It means you're guaranteed quiet neighbours.

btw from what I recall she was allowed to play with me in my home / garden and i was allowed to play in her home / garden.

Some of the neighbours I've had over the years I'd be grateful and say was a benefit, at least there shouldn't be booze fuelled late night parties, drugs and domestics with police attendance🤷‍♀️

They are very much a keep themselves to themselves group so probably really good neighbours in the sense of being quiet etc, maybe not so much if you want neighbours to socialise with.

Eh? What a bizarre thread.

I had Plymouth Brethren as neighbours growing up. Quiet, self contained and no problem at all. I'd far rather them than some of the neighbours I've has since!
They don't watch TV or use tech, the women wear headcoverings and there's no obligation to share any of their beliefs!

The Plymouth Brethren are not a cult, they are a recognised church. What is a 'weird situation'? I don't have the same religion as my neighbours and we're on friendly terms, but don't see each other much. It's not a problem.

If anything it’s a plus

You would be lucky to have Plymouth Brethren as neighbours OP. We have: they are very nice people and everything you could hope for in a neighbour.

Why?

There is literally no legitimate reason other than prejudice for doing so.

I heard they sacrifice chicken burgers. Be very careful

What is it about the Plymouth brethren that troubles you?
they will be quiet, and won’t invite you to eat or drink with them, but do interact with people outside of the brethren at work and in life. .

www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org/our-members/any-questions/#what-is-the-doctrine-of-separation?

I think Plymouth Brethren are very quiet and keep to themselves.

Right? Possibly discriminatory also.

This is maybe by far the most ridiculous post I have ever read about not buying a house.

They are a denomination of Christianity not a cult